Mobile Technical Troubleshooting Guide
Mobile Technical Troubleshooting Guide
Summary
This guide provides step-by-step troubleshooting procedures for common mobile service issues including connectivity problems, data issues, call quality, SMS failures, and device-specific concerns. Follow diagnostic steps systematically before escalating to technical support.
Basic Troubleshooting Steps
First-Level Diagnostics (Do These First)
- Verify account is active and in good standing (no suspension)
- Check for network outages in customer's area (check outage map)
- Confirm device is powered on and has battery charge
- Verify airplane mode is OFF
- Check that mobile data is enabled in settings
- Restart device (power cycle)
Device Restart Procedure
- iPhone: Hold power + volume button, slide to power off, wait 30 seconds, power on
- Android: Hold power button, tap restart/reboot, wait for device to restart
- Wait 2-3 minutes after restart for network reconnection
- Test service after restart
No Service / No Signal Issues
Symptoms
- "No Service" or "No Signal" displayed
- Cannot make or receive calls
- No mobile data connection
- SOS or Emergency Calls Only shown
Troubleshooting Steps
- Check for network outage in customer's area (use internal outage tool)
- Verify SIM card is properly inserted and not damaged
- Toggle airplane mode ON for 10 seconds, then OFF
- Manually select network: Settings → Mobile Network → Network Operators → Select carrier manually
- Remove and reinsert SIM card (power off device first)
- Reset network settings (will clear WiFi passwords)
- Test SIM in another device if available
- If SIM works in other device: Device issue, refer to manufacturer
- If SIM doesn't work in other device: SIM card replacement needed
Network Settings Reset
iPhone
- Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings
- Enter passcode when prompted
- Confirm reset
- Device will restart
Android
- Settings → System → Reset Options → Reset WiFi, Mobile & Bluetooth
- Confirm reset
- Device will restart
Mobile Data Not Working
Symptoms
- Calls and SMS work but no internet
- Browser shows "No Internet Connection"
- Apps cannot load content
- Data icon (4G/5G/LTE) not showing
Troubleshooting Steps
- Verify customer has remaining data allowance (check usage)
- Check if data roaming is required (customer traveling abroad?)
- Ensure mobile data is enabled: Settings → Mobile/Cellular → Mobile Data ON
- Verify APN settings are correct (see APN configuration section)
- Toggle mobile data OFF for 10 seconds, then ON
- Switch airplane mode ON for 10 seconds, then OFF
- Verify no data restrictions on specific apps (App Settings → Mobile Data)
- Check if VPN is blocking connection
- Reset network settings
- If using 5G and having issues: Force 4G/LTE mode to test
APN Configuration
Correct APN Settings
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Carrier Name |
| APN | internet |
| Proxy | Not set |
| Port | Not set |
| Username | Not set |
| Password | Not set |
| Server | Not set |
| MMSC | http://mms.carrier.com |
| MMS Proxy | Not set |
| MCC | 525 (or local code) |
| MNC | 03 (or local code) |
| APN Type | default,mms,supl |
How to Update APN (Android)
- Settings → Mobile Network → Access Point Names
- Tap + to add new APN or edit existing
- Enter values from table above
- Save and select the new APN
- Restart device
Slow Data Speeds
Symptoms
- Data works but very slow
- Videos buffer constantly
- Websites take long to load
- Apps timeout when loading
Troubleshooting Steps
- Check customer's data usage - may be throttled after fair usage limit
- Verify signal strength (need at least 2-3 bars for good speeds)
- Check if customer in congested area (stadium, mall, event)
- Ask customer to move to different location and test
- Run speed test (recommend Fast.com or Speedtest.net)
- Compare to expected speeds for their plan and location
- Toggle airplane mode to force network reconnection
- Switch between 5G/4G to test (Settings → Mobile Network → Preferred Network Type)
- Clear app cache if specific app is slow
- Check for device software updates
Expected Speed Ranges
| Network Type | Typical Download Speed | Typical Upload Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | 100-300 Mbps | 30-100 Mbps |
| 4G/LTE | 20-80 Mbps | 10-30 Mbps |
| 3G | 1-5 Mbps | 0.5-2 Mbps |
Call Quality Issues
Symptoms
- Choppy or robotic voice
- Echo or delay
- One-way audio (can hear them but they can't hear you)
- Calls dropping frequently
- Static or crackling noise
Troubleshooting Steps
- Check signal strength during call (need minimum 2 bars)
- Ask customer to move to different location with better signal
- Test with different phone numbers to rule out far-end issue
- Disable WiFi calling temporarily to test
- Check if Bluetooth is connected (may be routing to car/headset)
- Clean microphone and speaker openings
- Test with wired headphones to isolate device issue
- Remove phone case (may block microphone)
- Restart device
- Check for carrier settings update (iPhone)
Calls Dropping
- Check customer's location - indoor coverage issues?
- Verify no network congestion or outage
- Check signal handoff issues (switching between towers)
- Test in different location
- Enable WiFi calling for indoor coverage
- Check if VoLTE is enabled (better call quality and reliability)
- Update device software
- Reset network settings as last resort
SMS/MMS Issues
Cannot Send or Receive SMS
- Verify SMS service is not suspended (check account status)
- Check message center number is configured (SMS Settings)
- Verify recipient's number is correct (include country code if international)
- Check if customer has blocked the sender (SMS Block List)
- Clear messaging app cache and data
- Try sending to different number
- Toggle airplane mode
- Restart device
- Test with default messaging app (disable third-party app)
MMS Not Working
- Verify mobile data is enabled (MMS requires data)
- Check APN settings include MMS configuration
- Ensure customer is not on WiFi only (turn on mobile data)
- Verify MMS messaging is enabled in app settings
- Check file size - images over 1MB may fail (recommend compression)
- Clear messaging app cache
- Reset APN to default
- Test with default messaging app
SMS Message Center Numbers
| Region | Message Center Number |
|---|---|
| Local | +6596845999 |
| International | +6596845999 |
WiFi Calling Issues
WiFi Calling Not Working
- Verify WiFi calling is enabled in device settings
- Confirm feature is activated on account (may require subscription)
- Check WiFi connection quality (need stable connection)
- Register for WiFi calling (may need to enter emergency address)
- Ensure WiFi router allows VoIP traffic (check firewall)
- Restart device after enabling WiFi calling
- Forget and reconnect to WiFi network
- Update device software to latest version
- Test with different WiFi network
WiFi Calling Setup
iPhone
- Settings → Phone → WiFi Calling → Enable WiFi Calling on This iPhone
- Enter emergency address when prompted
- Restart device
Android
- Settings → Mobile Network → WiFi Calling → Enable
- Select Calling Preference (WiFi Preferred or Mobile Preferred)
- Enter emergency address
- Restart device
5G Connection Issues
5G Not Showing / Not Connecting
- Verify customer's plan includes 5G access
- Confirm 5G coverage in customer's area (check coverage map)
- Check device is 5G compatible
- Ensure 5G is enabled: Settings → Mobile Network → Preferred Network Type → 5G or 5G Auto
- Check if data saver mode is limiting 5G
- Toggle airplane mode to force network reselection
- Move to area with stronger 5G signal
- Update device software and carrier settings
- Reset network settings if needed
5G Connected But Slow
- May be on 5G NSA (non-standalone) - uses 4G core network
- Network congestion in area
- Fair usage policy may apply after data threshold
- Building interference (5G high-band has limited penetration)
- Recommend switching to 4G if 5G consistently slow
eSIM Issues
eSIM Activation Problems
- Verify device is eSIM compatible
- Ensure device is not carrier-locked
- Check customer has stable WiFi or data connection for activation
- Verify QR code is not damaged or obscured
- Try manual entry using SM-DP+ address and activation code
- Delete any pending eSIM profiles before adding new one
- Restart device and try again
- Check for device software updates
- If all fails: Generate new eSIM QR code
eSIM Not Working After Activation
- Verify eSIM is set as default line for calls/data
- Check eSIM profile is enabled in settings
- Toggle airplane mode
- Reset network settings
- Delete and re-add eSIM profile
Voicemail Issues
Cannot Access Voicemail
- Verify voicemail is set up (may need first-time setup)
- Check voicemail number is correct: 121 (local) or +65xxxx121 (roaming)
- Test calling voicemail directly instead of visual voicemail
- Reset voicemail PIN if forgotten
- Clear visual voicemail app cache
- Restart device
- Re-enable visual voicemail feature
Not Receiving Voicemail Notifications
- Check notification settings for phone/voicemail app
- Ensure Do Not Disturb is not enabled
- Verify voicemail notifications are not blocked in system settings
- Test with a voicemail to trigger notification
- Clear voicemail app cache and data
- Refresh visual voicemail
Escalation Criteria
When to Escalate to Technical Support
- All basic troubleshooting steps completed without resolution
- Network outage affecting multiple customers in area
- SIM card replacement needed
- Account provisioning issues
- Suspected network equipment problem
- eSIM activation failures after multiple attempts
- Persistent issues after device restart and network reset
Information to Provide When Escalating
- Customer account number and mobile number
- Device make, model, and software version
- Specific issue description and symptoms
- All troubleshooting steps already completed
- Error messages (screenshots if available)
- When issue started (date/time)
- Customer's location (for coverage issues)
- Test results (speed test, call test, etc.)
Important Reminders
- Always start with basic checks before advanced troubleshooting
- Document all steps taken in customer notes
- Set expectations on resolution time
- Follow up with customer if escalated
- Verify service is working before closing ticket
- Offer alternatives (WiFi calling, temporary device) if extended downtime
Related Articles
- Network Coverage and Availability
- SIM Card and eSIM Activation
- Device Compatibility Check
- Service Activation Procedures
Effective Date: November 2025 | Version: 1.0 | Target Audience: Care
